Chess Academy

thunker
61 ( +1 | -1 )Hiding online statusI used to argue against those that hid their online status saying everyone was welcome to see when I was online. However, I've recently had an experience where a person monitored my last online status and would use it to contact me directly saying "I just saw you were online" etc. It almost got to the point of stalking, so I formally retract my previous comments regarding the "hide online status" option on GameKnot.

I now see where this is a valuable feature on GK and appreciate the option.

P.S. this is NOT any current or past opponent on GK - but rather a non-GK person that used GK to monitor my chess activity.

ccmcacollister
73 ( +1 | -1 )thunker ....Sorry you have had that problem. I have always wondered; Would we look at the matter of online status differently if it were worded differently? "Hide my status" almost seems to hold some sinister connotation!? :) How about just "Show my online status"? for a neutral. But what if it said instead "ANNOUNCE MY PRESENCE TO THE WORLD !" Would people then say it is unhumble to show? :)) }8-) [PS - Yes, around here at home they Would say so! I took some flak for my first Profile telling 89% of everything I'd done in my life, and Chess life. It can range from "You didnt do that!" to "You did, but you cant say you did" to "I'm mad because you didnt TELL me you did" (Well of course I didnt tell you, that would not be humble, now Would it!) :))) ....]

thunker
60 ( +1 | -1 )Good pointsThanks Craig, I'd vote for the "show online status" verbage. As you say, it's quite neutral. But regardless of the semantics I suppose the functionality is the same. It's just a shame that we, as a race of people, have to stoop to the point of protecting our privacy because of the few that would abuse the privledge of open information/data... But such is human nature I suppose. I'm getting to be old enough that I realize quite clearly that the way I think the world should be and the way it really is are two very different animals! ;-) But we all just keep on keepin' on and make the best of what is there! At least I do... Regards, Doug